Clarion River
Clarion River
- Boat Ramps
- 14
- Access Points
- 32
- Species
- 22
The Clarion River flows through north-central Pennsylvania, stretching over 110 miles from its headwaters in McKean County to its confluence with the Allegheny River in Clarion County. Once severely polluted by industrial activity, the Clarion has made a remarkable recovery thanks to conservation efforts and is now recognized as a premier fishing destination. In 1996, 51.7 miles of the river were designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. The Clarion River features diverse ecosystems supporting multiple game fish species and various fishing opportunities throughout its meandering course through scenic forested valleys. Known for its natural beauty and accessibility, the river offers excellent angling experiences for beginners and seasoned fishermen alike.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Clarion River and what's needed to catch them.
Find which waters have the species you want to catch
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
Northern Pike
Esox lucius
Muskellunge
Esox masquinongy
Walleye
Sander vitreus
Black Crappie
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Bluegill Sunfish
Lepomis macrochirus
Brown Bullhead
Ameiurus nebulosus
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
Common Carp
Cyprinus carpio
Golden Redhorse
Moxostoma erythrurum
Northern Hogsucker
Hypentelium nigricans
Pumpkinseed
Lepomis gibbosus
Rock Bass
Ambloplites rupestris
Spotted Bass
Micropterus punctulatus
White Crappie
Pomoxis annularis
White Sucker
Catostomus commersonii
Yellow Bullhead
Ameiurus natalis
Yellow Perch
Perca flavescens
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Clarion River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Portland Mills boat ramp
Ridgway Fishing Access Site
Clear Creek State Park Access
Country Squirrel Access
Johnsonburg Walk-in Fishing Access Site
Gravel Lick Fishing Access Site
Barnett Canoe Lauch Access
River Pavillion Walk-in Fishing Access Site
Cook Forest Canoe Rental Fishing Access site
Melts Road Fishing Access Site
Know where you can legally fish on Clarion River
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
Pennsylvania licenses and regulations
Pennsylvania Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Pennsylvania Fishing License
A current license, signed in ink, is required of persons age 16 and over to fish or angle for any species of fish and to take fish bait, baitfish, and species of amphibians and reptiles from Commonwealth waters by those legal methods described in the Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws (Summary Book).
Pennsylvania Fishing Regulations
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Pennsylvania Stream Access Laws
The public has the right to fish in any navigable waterway, which is determined by the practical uses of the water. If a stream is determined navigable, the streambed is considered state owned, thus allowing wading, portage, and fishing. If the stream bed is non-navigable, floating is permitted, but fishing is exclusive to the landowner.
Take Clarion River with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Clarion River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Clarion River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Clarion River and check the forecast before you go.
Clarion River at Cooksburg, PA
All Flow Stations
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